“I try to stay away from negativity and try and always be positive,” he says.

King grew up in a single parent home with his mother, from whom he learned hard work at the age of 12. For five years he sold $2oo worth of newspapers on Sunday. His work ethic inspired neighbors and people in the community who showed their support for him over the last few years.

By saving his money he wouldn’t have to go into debt or ask his mother to pay for college. And he did this while earning straight As, and playing a range of sports including golf, tennis, basketball, and baseball.

King has a message for others:

“Make sure you try and surround yourself with people who are trying to go up in life and not try to bring you down. Just stay positive and always believe in yourself and push forward.”

Bethany Blankley is a political analyst for Fox News Radio and has appeared on television and radio programs nationwide. She writes about political, cultural, and religious issues in America from the perspective of an evangelical and former communications staffer. She was a communications strategist for four U.S. Senators, one U.S. Congressman, a former New York governor, and several non-profits. She earned her MA in Theology from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland and her BA in Political Science from the University of Maryland. Follow her @bethanyblankley facebook.com/BlankleyBethany/ & BethanyBlankley.com.